20 Attractions to Explore Near National Mining Museum Scotland

The Lothianbridge Viaduct carries the Borders Railway, which opened in 2015, over the River South Esk near Newtongrange, Midlothian, Scotland. It was built by the Marquess of Lothian to extend the Edinburgh and Dalkeith Railway from Dalhousie Mains to his coal pits at Arniston. The present viaduct was opened in 1849 by the Edinburgh and Hawick Railway to carry the Waverley Line, running between Edinburgh and Carlisle. The viaduct was designed by John Miller.

A vast green park situated west of Gorebridge, close to Robert Adams Wood. It represents a regenerated industrial landscape located a half-mile west of Gorebridge in Midlothian. The landscape was principally the result of coal-mining activity from the 19th century until the 1960s. There are free curricular based environmental education activities for schools and groups, led and organised by the Ranger Service.

A majestic 16th centiry castle, which was once a substantial L-shaped tower house built by Michael Borthwick of Glengelt. The tower occupied a roughly triangular position, which was naturally defended by deeply worn water-courses. The remaining structure is a scheduled monument, which, provides evidence and has the potential to provide further evidence for the study of the defensive architecture and domestic life of the minor gentry in mid-sixteenth-century Scotland.

Dalkeith Country Park is a beautiful estate at only 2200 acres but with 600 acres of predominantly broadleaved woodland located only five miles from Edinburgh city centre. At the heart of the Country Park is the 600 year old Dalkeith Old Oak Wood nestling in the meetings of the North and South Esk rivers. One of the iconic location where you can spend some good time in the middle of nature.

Edinburgh Butterfly & Insect World is the world's longest running butterfly house and one of Scotland's favourite tourist and educational attractions. Get inside into their world of butterflies, reptiles, bugs and beasties! Take a tour through their rainforest and get close to the animals during your visit.

A vast greenish 6000 acre esstate which offers accomodation, hosts special events, weddings and tours, surrounded by beautiful gardens and forestry. It has been home to the Dundas family for over 400 years. The house is of three storeys over a basement. The most significant interiors are William Adam's two-storey, galleried saloon, with decorative plasterwork by Joseph Enzer, and the Rococo dining room and drawing room, by the Adam brothers.

More than hundred acres of woods and Victorian parkland including a 1876 Victorian mansion - part of which is open to the public. Facilities in the parkland include a miniature railway, 9-hole golf course, children's play area and four miles of walks. A good experience in the middle of nature and a great chance to explore the ancient beauty.

Mavisbank House is Category A listed by Historic Scotland. The house was partially destroyed and left in ruin by a fire in 1973. It was designed by the architect William Adam constructed between 1723 and 1727. Unfortuneately the house neglected and the interiors were ruined by fire in 1973 but it is still an interesting sight for visitors to see. Parking is available in Loanhead.

A beautiful artificial cave capable of holding 60 to 70 men, is said to have been a hiding place of Sir William Wallace and others. . The cave extends some 38' into the cliff, with two recesses. The small rectangular entrance to Wallace's Cave is situated on a rock ledge about 18m above the River Esk. The cave extends up to 12m into the cliff and contains two recesses.

A large majestic castle with a spectacular facade of faceted stonework in an Italian style which gives beauty to the castle. Constructed as a tower house in the late 14th century, and it was expanded as power of the Crichton family grew. However, the Crichtons fell from favour in the later 15th century, and the castle passed to the Earls of Bothwell. It was now in the care of Historic Environment Scotland, and are open to the public.

A majestic and beautiful 15th-century chapel located in the village of Roslin, Midlothian, Scotland. This stunning chapel is located outside of Edinburgh and has flummoxed historians, movie-makers, and visitors for centuries. Intricately carved stone-work is laced with strange symbolism, ancient cults appear behind every story, and alien activity frequently gets reported by UFO hunters.

Roslin Castle is a partially ruined castle near the village of Roslin in Midlothian, Scotland. It is located around 9 miles south of Edinburgh, on the north bank of the North Esk, only a few hundred metres from the famous Rosslyn Chapel. There has been a castle on the site since the early 14th century, when the Sinclair family, Earls of Caithness and Barons of Roslin, fortified the site, although the present ruins are of slightly later date.

A simple Celtic cross in tribute to the men of Roslin who fell in the two world wars. This memorial commemorates the residents of Roslin who were killed or missing in World War I and World War II. It was erected by the Roslin Heritage Society at the end of last century, marks the site of the Battle of Roslin.

A majestic wodden glen in the North Esk Valley, near the village of Roslin in Scotland. You can enjoy many walks using the path links to the Roslin Village, Castle and Chapel and Springfield Mill. The park is excellent for wildlife with otters, kingfishers and dippers around the river. Look out for buzzards, woodpeckers and badgers in the gorge woodland area.

Gilmerton Cove is a series of hand carved passageways and chambers that lie below ground to the south of Gilmerton crossroads. It offers visitors to Edinburgh the opportunity to walk hand-hewn chambers and passages and explore one of the most mysterious underworld places in the history of the city. These underground rooms and hallways were hand-carved from sandstone under the streets of a former mining town and current Edinburgh suburb of Gilmerton.

A majestic hill, that is 493 metres high in the Pentland Hills region or range in Scotland It is one of the most impressive and most often noticed hills in the range. You can climb Allermuir Hill from a number of different starting points. A path from Hillend near Lothianburn leads up over neighbouring Caerketton Hill after climbing above the Midlothian Snowsports Centre, en route to Allermuir Hill.

This delightful 17th century hillside garden is awaiting your discovery. Tucked away within stone boundary walls you will find tall trees, fragrant flowers, songbirds and clear water. In the charming village of Inveresk, there is a heady mix of rare and familiar scents - a wonderful sensory experience.

Craigmillar Castle is one of the best preserved castles of its period in Scotland. Built at the beginning of the 14th century by the Preston family, it had an L-shaped tower, a wall with buildings inside, attractive gardens and a fish pond. It is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Scotland. The central tower house, or keep, is surrounded by a 15th-century courtyard wall with "particularly fine" defensive features.